Los Gigantes: Sailing Excursion with Swimming, Drink & Tapas

Wildlife, cliffs, and a swim in one neat outing. This three-hour sailing trip from Puerto de Los Gigantes combines Tenerife’s huge red cliffs with whale and dolphin watching, a snorkel stop, and tapas served on deck. I especially like the small maximum of 10 passengers and the calm, personal feel created by the skipper and crew. I also like that the trip leaves room for quiet ocean time, with no onboard music. The main consideration is timing: three hours can feel short, especially if you want a long wildlife stop and a relaxed swim.

At $82 per person, this is not the cheapest boat ride around Tenerife, but you get more than a scenic cruise. The price includes the cliffs, wildlife search, snorkeling equipment, drinks, tapas, and a Spanish, English, or French-speaking guide. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and one language review noted that not every bit of commentary was translated into English.

Five things that make this boat trip different

• Only 10 passengers maximum: You get more deck space and a quieter feel than on a large excursion boat.
• Wildlife comes before the swim: The route heads out to search for pilot whales, dolphins, and other marine life before returning toward the cliffs.
• Snorkeling beside Los Gigantes: The red cliffs provide a dramatic setting for a swim in a bay or sheltered coastal area.
• Tapas and drinks are included: Expect a snack spread with alcoholic and soft drinks after time in the water.
• The boat stays wonderfully quiet: There is no speaker blasting music, so you can hear the sea and talk with the crew.

Leaving Puerto de Los Gigantes on the Sangría

You meet the crew at Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1. The departure point is in Puerto de Los Gigantes, so plan to arrive with enough time to find the marina and Dock 1 without rushing.

The boat is called the Sangría, and the small capacity is one of the biggest reasons to choose this excursion. With no more than 10 passengers, you are not fighting for a view or squeezed shoulder to shoulder during the wildlife search. The boat can also take up to four children per trip, and babies or young children who qualify for free admission still need to be added during booking so their places are counted.

The crew usually includes a skipper and another guide. Luis and Moises are praised for being friendly, attentive, and good at making people feel comfortable. Other crew members have also been praised for explaining sea life and Tenerife’s coast in several languages.

The language mix can matter. Tours are offered in Spanish, English, and French, but the guide may need to switch between languages. If you want a detailed explanation of every sighting, tell the crew your preferred language at the start.

Following the red cliffs of Los Gigantes

The first scenic reward is Los Gigantes itself. The boat follows the coast beneath the towering red cliffs, giving you a viewpoint that is impossible to get from a road or footpath. From the water, the rock walls rise directly above the boat, and the scale becomes easier to appreciate.

The route also passes bays and natural coves. The exact pattern can change with the day’s sea conditions and wildlife activity. One outing included time near Los Gigantes but did not visit specific bays or caves, so you should treat the cove visits as part of the general route rather than a promise of a particular cave.

This is a good trip for people who like scenery without a constant stream of commentary. One of the nicest details reported from the boat is the lack of music. You can listen to the waves, watch the cliffs slide past, and enjoy the sort of quiet that large party boats rarely provide.

The coast is attractive from every angle, but the boat ride itself takes time. One passenger felt there was a little too much sailing and not enough time watching whales and dolphins. Another wished the outing lasted four hours instead of three. I would keep that in mind if you want a long, slow day at sea rather than a compact half-day activity.

Searching for pilot whales and dolphins

The boat heads farther out to sea to look for marine life. Pilot whales and several types of dolphins are the most frequently noted sightings, with reports of dolphins swimming close to the boat and pilot whales traveling with young.

You might also see flying fish, tuna, turtles, octopi, manta rays, or other sea life. The exact animals depend on nature, not the schedule, so no responsible operator can promise a particular species. The excitement comes from scanning the water, waiting for a fin or splash, and then watching the crew point out what you are seeing.

The crew’s role is especially useful here. They know what to look for and can explain the animals and local sea life. Some outings found whales early, while others spent longer searching before finding dolphins or pilot whales. The limited number of boats allowed in parts of the coast can help keep the experience calmer and reduce the crowded feeling that often spoils wildlife trips.

You should also keep expectations realistic about viewing time. The boat may need to keep moving to locate animals, and it will not necessarily remain in one spot for as long as you would like. The wildlife search is a major part of the excursion, but the trip is not a guaranteed close-up encounter.

Snorkeling in a clear coastal bay

After the wildlife search and coastal sailing, the boat stops for swimming and snorkeling. The water is described as clear, and the setting near the cliffs gives the swim a strong sense of place. You can use the supplied mask and snorkel to look for turtles, octopi, manta rays, and smaller fish.

You do not have to snorkel. The stop is also a chance to swim, sit on deck, or simply enjoy the water from the boat. Life vests are available, which is helpful for less confident swimmers and children.

The snorkeling stop is one of the strongest parts of the trip, but the equipment may be basic. If you already own a comfortable mask and snorkel, bringing your own could improve the experience. You need to bring your own swimwear and towel, along with sunscreen. No swimwear or towel is provided.

Do not touch marine life or feed animals. Fishing is not allowed, and the rules also prohibit smoking in the vehicle, weapons, sharp objects, fireworks, explosives, fire-making, speakers, nudity, alcohol or drugs not supplied by the operator, and other unsafe items.

Tapas and drinks under the cliffs

After salt water and sea air, the tapas are a welcome touch. The food has been described as a snack tray or charcuterie-style spread with vegetables and other small bites. It is not a full restaurant meal, but it gives the trip a pleasant finish and adds real value to the fare.

Alcoholic and soft drinks are included. You might be offered options such as cava or other drinks, and several outings had plentiful beverages. If you do not drink alcohol, note that the non-alcoholic selection may be limited. One passenger specifically wanted more choices, including sparkling water and apple juice.

The timing of the food can vary. On some outings, tapas came after snorkeling beneath the cliffs, which makes practical sense: you can dry off, settle on deck, and eat while enjoying the scenery. Vegetarian and vegan choices are available if you notify Blue Dream Sailing in advance.

The atmosphere is more relaxed than a party cruise. You can chat with the crew, enjoy the view, and eat without loud music. For many people, that quieter style will be more appealing than a boat with entertainment and a full bar.

Is $82 a fair price?

At $82, the trip offers solid value if you plan to use most of what is included. A basic sightseeing cruise might cost less, but this outing adds a wildlife search, a swim and snorkel stop, equipment, drinks, tapas, and a small group. The limited capacity is important: you are paying partly for space and attention, not just transport across the water.

The value is strongest for couples, families, and visitors who want several Tenerife experiences in one booking. You see Los Gigantes from below, spend time looking for whales and dolphins, swim in clear water, and have food and drinks without arranging separate activities.

The value is less certain if your main goal is a long wildlife-watching session. Three hours must cover departure, coastal sailing, the search at sea, the return route, snorkeling, and food. If animals take time to locate, the boat may have less time to linger. For a dedicated wildlife enthusiast, a longer specialist trip may be worth comparing.

The flexible booking terms help. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. Check the available start times when booking, since the schedule can affect the light, heat, and feel of the outing.

Who will enjoy the Sangría most?

I would recommend this boat trip to you if you want a quiet, small-group day on the water rather than a loud party cruise. It suits couples looking for scenery, families who want a manageable three-hour activity, and anyone who likes wildlife but also wants a swim and something to eat.

It is a good choice if you appreciate guides who explain what you are seeing without filling every minute with talk. The crew has been praised for being attentive without crowding people, and that balance is a real advantage on a small boat.

Families should remember that children and babies need to be included in the booking, even when they can join free. There are places for up to four children per trip. Bring sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel, and consider your child’s comfort with open water before booking.

This may not be the best fit if you dislike boats, want guaranteed whale sightings, or expect a long snorkeling session. It is also less convenient if you are staying in northern Tenerife, since the meeting point is in Los Gigantes and no northern pickup is offered. Some previous arrangements included hotel pickup in other areas, but you should not assume transport is included.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

Arrive at Dock 1 with your ID or passport, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. Keep your belongings compact, since a small boat has limited spare room.

Tell the provider about vegetarian or vegan food needs ahead of time. If English is important to you, mention it early so the guide knows which language should receive fuller explanations.

If you care most about wildlife, keep your eyes on the water and listen for crew instructions. If you care most about swimming, choose a departure time that gives you the conditions and light you prefer, after checking the available options.

You may want to bring your own snorkeling equipment if fit and comfort matter to you. The supplied equipment is included, but it has not always been considered top quality.

Finally, protect your skin. The water can look inviting, and three hours passes quickly, but the sun on an open deck is strong. Sunscreen is listed as essential for good reason.

Should you book this Los Gigantes sailing trip?

I would book it if you want a well-rounded coastal outing with a personal feel. The combination of pilot whales or dolphins, red cliffs, a swim, snorkeling, tapas, and drinks makes the $82 fare reasonable, especially with only 10 passengers aboard.

Book with realistic expectations. Wildlife sightings depend on the day, the crew may spend a fair part of the trip sailing and searching, and the snorkeling gear may be ordinary. But if you value friendly guides, quiet water time, good scenery, and a compact itinerary that does several things well, Blue Dream Sailing offers one of the better ways to experience the Los Gigantes coast.

FAQ

Where does the Los Gigantes sailing trip depart from?

The meeting point is Muelle Deportivo La Marina Los Gigantes, Dock 1, in Puerto de Los Gigantes.

How long does the excursion last?

The sailing excursion lasts three hours.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The boat can accommodate a maximum of 10 passengers.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in Spanish, English, and French.

Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. The boat searches for whales and dolphins, but sightings depend on wildlife and sea conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included in the price.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The fare includes tapas and an alcoholic or soft drink. Vegetarian and vegan food options are available if you notify the provider in advance.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.